West Brookfield Farmers Market

Colorful Blooms in Winter

Although it is already November and some folks start forcing bulbs in mid-October, I still think its worth it to try and create beautiful displays for late February, early March by forcing bulbs right now.  I know here in Mass., the month of March can be cold and bleak and nothing would bring a smile to my face than the smell of a daffodil or hyacinth on a blustery, late winter day.  Try it out, there's really nothing to lose!

When the leaves are gone and snow is on the ground, we all can’t help but wish for the beauty that spring brings.To lessen the harshness of winter, it always helps to force blooms and savor their beauty and fragrance.There are quite a few bulbs that can be forced if planted correctly and their blooms really do lighten our spirits when the cold dark days weigh upon us.

Folks who dapple in bulb forcing often choose Paper-white Narcissus.They’re a reliable bloomer and are incredibly fragrant.They are also the simplest and most straightforward bulb to force because they don’t need a cooling period prior to blooming.But there are many other bulbs one can plant indoors during the cold months that after 12 to 15 weeks will yield a beautiful floral display. But before you choose your bulb, you must properly prepare your pot.

The size of your pot depends on your space or on how many bulbs you wish to force together.Fill your pot with quality planting mix, any good mix will work as long as it is comprised of soil, peat and vermiculite or perlite.You can amend it with some bone meal if available but a bigger focus should be on drainage.It is critical that the drainage is good because otherwise the bulb will rot.To ensure good drainage, place a layer of sand under and around each bulb.Do not bury the bulbs but leave a little of the “nose” visible.Once the bulb is planted, water it well and place the pot in a cool, dark, dry place for about 12 weeks, watering regularly.This will give the bulb enough time to set roots prior to producing leaves and flowers.

Besides paper-whites, there are a few more varieties that may be forced.Hyacinths are not only beautiful but smell delicious..the epitome of spring.Tulips, narcissus (daffodils), crocus, grape hyacinths, iris and lily of the valley can also be forced into flower in late winter and early spring.

All of the spring-blooming bulbs just mentioned must have a cold period of at least three months to initiate bloom.After the bulbs are planted, place the pots in an area where the temps will stay cold but not freezing such as an unheated garage or cellar.If you are worried about the bulbs freezing, place them in a box and cover with hay for added protection.Some folks even plant the pots in a shallow trench in their garden and cover them with leaf mulch or hay and plastic to prevent freezing from occurring.

After bulbs have been chilled, you can bring them inside.You want the bulbs to have grown a strong root system and you can check to see if any roots are coming through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.Once in the house, water the pot and place the pots in a cool, moderately sunny area of the home until active growth is visible. Don’t over-water. Once growth begins, move the pots to a warmer location that receives a little more light. Too much sun too soon will permanently damage the plant.Within 2 or 3 weeks of being brought in, your bulbs should start flowering.

Sources:

The Mayflower Magazine, September 1901, Vol. XVII, No. 9

URI Greenshare Factsheet

http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/forcebulbs.html

Univ. of Minnesota Extension

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg1116.html